Hotel Morris Sydney Is An Underrated Art Deco Gem

This ultra-stylish hotel embodies the phrase “small but mighty".

While abundant amenities and expansive guestrooms are typical of large hotels, Hotel Morris Sydney – Handwritten Collection , proves that smaller establishments can be just as impressive, especially if you’re a design lover.

This boutique property celebrates Sydney’s rich architectural heritage and contemporary hospitality, a place where attention to detail is woven throughout. Having opened its doors in June 2023, it has quickly established itself as a standout addition to Sydney’s hotel scene, particularly appealing to style-savvy travellers.

Here’s everything to know before booking your stay whether you’re visiting Sydney or in need of a staycay.

Location

Hotel Morris is nestled in bustling Haymarket, at the southern end of the Sydney central business district. This puts you in a prime location to access major attractions such as Central Station, Capital Theatre, and Chinatown. Haymarket is very close to the city centre and boasts a diverse culinary offering, with over 200 Asian eateries for you to choose from. Sydney Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

the building exterior of Hotel Morris Sydney — The prominent Hotel Morris sign has been sensitively restored to its former 1930s glory.

Style and character

Hotel Morris exudes Art Deco charm merged with 21st-century amenities. Originally opened in 1929, it stood as Australia’s tallest hotel for 34 years. Designed by architect Virgil Dante Cizzio in his signature Inter-War Palazzo style, this building has undergone various transformations before a significant restoration turned it into the chic accommodation it is today.

the interior details of Hotel Morris Sydney — The accommodation is part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection.

The slim building stands proudly with arched windows that mimic the original design and prominent signage that has been sensitively restored to its former 1930s glory. Guests step through 1930s steel-framed doors and are welcomed by a space that impeccably blends historic and contemporary design, thanks to interior design firm Tom Mark Henry. The foyer is shared with the onsite restaurant Bar Morris. Here, an amalgamation of rich reds, pastel pinks, natural stone, original ornate moulding, handmade tiles, and Venetian plaster create an opulent yet welcoming ambience. Art Deco Murano chandeliers add an element of glamour to the space.

a bedroom with arched windows at Hotel Morris Sydney — Arched windows flood natural light into guestrooms.

The guest hallways feature custom wallpaper with playful graphics, while the guestrooms offer a lighter palette that’s a chic extension of the aesthetic established in the public spaces.

Overall, the design-led interiors reflect a thoughtful balance between preserving the building’s heritage and introducing modern elegance.

the bathroom interior at Hotel Morris Sydney — Ensuite bathrooms are sleek and contemporary.

Facilities

As Hotel Morris is on the smaller side, you unfortunately won’t find a gym, swimming pool, or parking on site. However, no visit is complete without a snack and tipple at the on-site dining venue Bar Morris.

Rooms

There are 82 compact but well-appointed rooms ranging from the cosy Bambina to the luxe Grande King rooms. These stylish accommodations are decorated in rich ochre and red tones, modernist furnishings, Art Deco-style lighting, colourful artworks from local artists, and bold textures—all of which create a welcoming ambience. All rooms feature walk-in showers, custom-designed beds and luxurious IIUVO soigné bathroom amenities.

Those looking for a bit more indulgence and room should book one of the Grande King rooms which feature a spacious lounge area with Art Deco-style seating, waffle-weave robes, and expansive arched windows.

a mirror on the wall of the bathroom, Hotel Morris Sydney — This stylish hotel is brimming with sophisticated Art Deco-inspired details.

Food and drink

Downstairs in the foyer is the hotel’s 40-seat Italian wine bar and restaurant, Bar Morris. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this intimate space is perfect for a quick bite, afternoon tipple, or relaxed night in.

For breakfast, guests can choose from a continental spread with fresh fruit, pastries, and yoghurt, as well as à la carte like avocado toast and eggs and Italian eggs benedict.

the intimate dining at Hotel Morris Sydney — Slink into the elegant bar and restaurant for an intimate meal.

From 11am, the bar offers a tight list of deli-style bites to keep you fueled throughout the day. Snack on a baguette filled with mortadella, salami, pickles and romesco sauce or a sourdough sandwich of tuna steak arrabbiata, charred eggplant and zucchini.

Come evening, enjoy Italian classics such as mafaldine with pork shoulder ragu and pecorino and Spaghetti Alle Vongole. These are to be paired with Italian-style aperitifs like the Ocean’s Depth Martini with Seven Seasons green ant gin, dry vermouth, house brine and Sicilian olives. and a host of Australian and Italian wines.

Don’t miss taking advantage of the hotel’s Negroni Trolley service from 4pm to 6pm where you can choose from six varieties of Negronis made right outside your room.

a spread of food on the table at Hotel Morris Sydney — The menu has an array of offerings, from Italian classics to deli-style bites.

Accessibility

Rooms that are fully equipped with accessible support for wheelchair users are available.

Family-friendly?

Hotel Morris is better suited for couples and business travellers rather than families.

Details

Best for: Business travellers, solo travellers, couples

Address: 412 Pitt St, Haymarket

Find other amazing places to stay in Sydney in our Accommodation Guide.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Hotel Morris Sydney: an underrated Art Deco gem in the city